摘要 |
<p>An autosampler (10) include at least one specimen container tray (16), having a plurality of recesses (30) for receiving a specimen container (20), is removably fixed to a ground plate (15). A specimen container manipulating device (32) is positioned on top of the ground plate (15) and adjacent to the specimen container tray (16). The specimen container manipulating device (32) comprises a gripper comprising a gripper housing (34) and a plurality of gripping fingers (40, 42, 44). The gripping fingers (40, 42, 44) are held in place by a member (36) which is movable inside the gripper housing (34) between an upper and lower position. Shape memory metal (54) is positioned inside the gripper housing (34) and connected to the movable member (36) for controlling movement of the gripping fingers (40, 42, 44). When heat is applied to the shape memory metal (54), the shape memory metal (54) constricts, it moves the movable member (36) from the lower position to the upper position, causing the gripping fingers (40, 42, 44) to move from the closed position to the open position.</p> |